Gjirokastër Castle draws record number of visitors
Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …
Albania’s exports rise sharply in June
Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …
Albania’s inflation reaches 3.2 percent in June
Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …
Luxury Superyacht “Yas” Docks at Port of Durrës
The luxury superyacht Yas docked at the Port of Durrës this weekend. At about 141 metres long, Yas ranks among the world’s largest private superyachts. It stands out for its sleek design and futuristic appearance. Engineers transformed a former military vessel into the iconic luxury yacht. According to the Port …
Permet to host National ‘NONA’ Festival in August
Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited the public to attend the National “NONA” Festival, which will take place in Përmet from August 7 to 9. In a social media post, Rama described the festival as a celebration of tradition, gastronomy, and the invaluable role of grandparents. He said the event …
Travel off Path: Europe’s Top New Tourism Hotspot Faces Major Visitor Rule Changes Upon EU Entry
Europe’s newest tourism hotspot could see major changes for visitors after joining the European Union, writes Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine Travel Off Path. For nearly a decade now, Albania has been a beacon of freedom for travelers, especially digital nomads looking for hassle-free ways to extend their time in …
Organized Beaches and Improved Services Make Pogradec a Summer Destination
Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …
Gonxhja Highlights Nikaj-Mërturi’s Mountain Tourism Potential
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …
General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline
General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …
Albania aligns Central Bank law with EU standards
Albania has taken another step toward European Union membership with a new draft law on the Bank of Albania. The legislation sets the legal framework the country will need after joining the EU and meeting the requirements to enter the Eurozone. The draft law aligns Albania’s banking legislation with EU …
TIRANA, July 29 – State Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi called for changes to the Electoral Code to strengthen the separation between state institutions and the ruling party. At the technical meeting of the Special Parliamentary Commission on Electoral Reform, Celibashi said the misuse of state resources and the blurred line …
TIRANA, July 29 – Nikaj-Mërtur has gained fresh attention as one of the Albanian Alps’ distinctive destinations, following new efforts to promote sustainable mountain tourism and strengthen cooperation with local tourism operators. Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the area’s tourism potential in a social media post. He described Nikaj-Mërtur as …
The “Si Era” villa in Brataj, in the heart of the Vjosa River region, offers visitors a unique experience that combines nature, local landscapes and Albanian hospitality. Located only 30 minutes from Vlora and Himara, the accommodation stands opposite the historic Brataj Bridge. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of …
TIRANA, July 29 – The Albanian Academy of Sciences marked the 40th anniversary of the death of distinguished writer Shefqet Musaraj, recognizing his contribution to 20th-century Albanian literature. Musaraj was born in Berat on February 15, 1914, and died in Tirana on July 28, 1986. He emerged on the literary …
TIRANA, July 29 – The Albanian government is supporting investment in agricultural processing, stronger cooperation with farmers and the expansion of exports through business financing programmes and sector policies. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla highlighted those priorities during a visit to Fenix, a company in Elbasan that processes …
TIRANA, July 29 – Albania’s Ministry of Education will fund two new research laboratories and 23 scientific projects in 2026 through the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation. The initiative will support biodiversity protection, ecosystem monitoring, sustainable management of natural resources and the development of green technologies. On World …
Kosovo judoka Akil Gjakova has started a new chapter in his career as he aims to qualify for his third Olympic Games. Gjakova announced that he is beginning the new Olympic qualification cycle after more than a decade competing at the highest level of international judo. He said that staying …
TIRANA, July 29 – On July 29, 1913, the Conference of Ambassadors in London granted de jure recognition to the independent Albanian state. The conference recognized Albania as a sovereign and autonomous state under the guarantee of the Great Powers. The decision established Albania’s international status and laid the foundations …
TIRANA, July 29 – A new publication documents the latest developments in contemporary Albanian architecture. It highlights the work of Albanian architects in the region. The book “Fragments of Contemporary Albanian Architecture” was presented as the third volume in a series. The series aims to promote and document architecture created …
TIRANA, July 29 – British broadcaster Channel 4 interviewed Prime Minister Edi Rama about the proposed investment in Zvërnec, focusing on environmental concerns and the project’s current status. Rama told Channel 4 that authorities have not approved a final project for Zvërnec. He also said Sazan Island is not part …